Portable watercraft docking apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable docking apparatus for watercraft having two side rails positioned on four feet, the side rails adapted to rotate axially between front and rear feet, the rotation of the side rails being limited by rotation stops, the apparatus further having a gusset for each side rail, the gusset being attached to the bottom of the side rails, the gusset having a first end and a second end, one of said first end and said second end penetrating into to the center of the lower end of the front foot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, and claims priority from, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/678,766 filed on May 31, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related generally to watercraft docking apparatuses, and more specifically, to an improved portable and selectively placeable watercraft docking apparatus configured for rapid, removable placement in the water particularly for small and medium sized watercraft.

Small and medium sized watercraft are often used to ply along rivers, streams, lakes and along shore lines. During such excursions, the user may at times wish to stop and tie-in or moor the watercraft to nearby land where there may be no constructed dock to secure the watercraft. For example, a bass boat owner plying a river may wish to stop and moor the bass boat to the bank of the river to allow the owner to disembark from the boat to go ashore for fishing, swimming, or other such activities from the shoreline while the boat remains generally confined to the river bank.

Unfortunately, it is well-known that nearly all watercraft, including small and medium sized watercraft, are subject to being damaged when moored to a riverbank or a shoreline if the watercraft is rocked by waves and thereby caused to strike rigid objects (such as trees or rocks or other watercraft) near the watercraft while so moored. Such damage can range from minor scratches on the outer surface of the watercraft, to severe damage such as splits and holes in the hull or damage to the motor, shaft and propellers.

Even when relatively calm, rivers and lakes regularly generate waves that strike any watercraft moored along the shoreline. Such waves can rock watercraft moored along the shoreline. Yet, in addition, such waves can be amplified and become quite disruptive due to a variety of circumstances, including when other watercraft pass at high speed near the moored watercraft and leave rough wakes that impact the moored watercraft. Similarly, weather conditions can cause waves to intensify and become harsh and choppy as conditions worsen.

In addition to causing damage to a moored watercraft, unchecked waves can cause the watercraft to break free from its moorings and float away while unattended. Waves can also cause the watercraft to drift from its original mooring position, making boarding and de-boarding more difficult or dangerous to the watercraft user. A number of devices and aids exist to assist the owner of a watercraft to secure and protect the watercraft from damage due to waves when moored at a remote location. These include, for example, a variety of rope devices and cushion apparatuses. One of these devices, originally developed by the Applicant and having the trademark name of “Boat Beacher™”, comprises a portable docking device that is placed in the water in front of the bow of the watercraft near a riverbank or shoreline and allowed to sink to rest on the bottom in that location. The watercraft is then propelled up onto the Boat Beacher™.

The Boat Beacher™ was developed as a convenient and effective docking device for boating enthusiasts to protect their watercraft by parking the craft on the shoreline where it can be moored safely and securely without worry, and without the need to trailer the watercraft repeatedly after daily excursions. In particular, the Boat Beacher™ was designed for campers, hunters who hunt near shoreline reserves—particularly when plying those reserves only accessible by water, and for tournament fishermen and boat event participants who benefit from instant docking for weigh-in's and event activities along the shoreline when docking slips are scarce. Moreover, personnel from the U.S. Corps of Engineers have remarked that the Boat Beacher™ not only provides the owner with the benefit of protecting the owner's watercraft, but can also provide a benefit to the lake or river community by enabling the watercraft owner to more easily assist the Corps of Engineers in shoreline clean-up efforts. Thus, the Boat Beacher™ has much to offer.

The original Boat Beacher™ was configured with an upper surface to receive the bow of a watercraft, and multiple legs supporting the apparatus' upper surface that would dig into and secure the Boat Beacher™ to most surfaces under the water. Once this original Boat Beacher™ was in position, the watercraft would be run up onto the device such that the bow of the watercraft would nest within and rest on the top surface of the Boat Beacher™. The weight of the watercraft pressing down upon the Boat Beacher™, and the legs of the Boat Beacher™ themselves, would work together to prevent the Boat Beacher™ from moving from its initial placement and would thereby secure or moor the watercraft in position atop the Boat Beacher™.

Unfortunately, Applicant has discovered shortcomings in the configuration of this original Boat Beacher™ design. In the original design, the top surface comprised side rails that were designed to pivot axially a desired amount when the watercraft would mount and rest atop the Boat Beacher™. However, the side rails would not always rotate properly. It was found that in the original design that the side rails would sometimes “over-rotate” or “over pivot”, and at other times bind and only partially rotate or not rotate at all. This was due to the design of the side rails and the cylindrical braces to which the side rails were attached. This resulted in poor or ineffectual watercraft docking, such as for example the side rails could “over pivot” when paired with a “V-hull”, flat bottom, pontoon or tri-hull watercraft, or the side rails could fall to the side without properly engaging the hull or bow of the watercraft.

In addition, the original Boat Beacher™ design incorporated a pair of lower gussets that were intended to provide a torsion effect to the side rails. However, this original gusset configuration did not work effectively and in operation the original Boat Beacher™ suffered from the inability to adequately and properly cushion the side rails with the sides of the hull of the watercraft being docked.

A need therefore exists for improvements to the Boat Beacher™ portable dock that overcomes the shortcomings of the original design so as to provide a better mating between the watercraft and the upper surface and side rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrative embodiments of the present invention are shown in the following drawings which form a part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of the original Boat Beacher™ docking apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the representative embodiment of the original Boat Beacher™ docking apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the representative embodiment of the original Boat Beacher™ docking apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4, with the rails generally centrally positioned.

FIG. 7 is a top view for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is an underside view of the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a view of the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4, partially assembled.

FIG. 10 is front view of the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4, with the rails rotated to a shallow inward angle.

FIG. 11 is front view of the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4, with the rails rotated to a steep inward angle.

FIG. 12 is perspective view of a rail support for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a front view of an adjustable cross support for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a tubular gusset for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 15 comprises side, front and sectional views of a front foot for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 comprises side, front and sectional views of a rear foot for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 17 is an end view of a rail support for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a carpet cover for the representative embodiment of the improved docking apparatus of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention will be described and disclosed here in connection with certain preferred embodiments, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described here, but rather the invention is intended to cover all alternative embodiments and modifications that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims included herein as well as any equivalents of the disclosed and claimed invention.

Original Docking Apparatus 10

In referring to the drawings, a representative embodiment of the original docking apparatus 10 is shown generally in FIGS. 1-3. The original apparatus 10 has a pair of rectangular, parallel side rails 12, constructed of treated lumber boards. Each side rail 12 has an upper surface 14 and an opposing lower surface 16, a length of approximately 36 inches, a width of approximately 3.5 inches and a thickness of approximately 1.5 inches. The edges and the front and rear ends of the side rails 12 may be rounded to soften any impact between the side rails 12 and the hull of a watercraft. A cover 18 constructed of thick and durable marine carpeting is secured to the upper surface 14 to form a cushioned wrap over the entire side rail 12 to soften any impact between the side rails 12 and the hull of a watercraft.

Two circular metal strap brackets 20 are bolted to the lower surface 16 of each of the side rails 12. Both of the brackets 20 on each side rail 12 rare positioned in parallel along the lower surface 16 at a distance of approximately 6 inches from each end of the side rail 12 to which they are attached. The brackets 20 each form short tubes under the side rails 12. All of the brackets 20 have the same inner diameter of just over 2 inches, and both of the brackets 20 on each side rail 12 are attached in parallel along the length of their respective side rail 12 such that each pair's circular openings are longitudinally aligned.

A 29.5 inch long cylindrical rail support 22, formed of 2 inch diameter PVC pipe, is positioned along the lower surface 16 of each side rail 12 within that side rail's pair of brackets 20. The brackets 20 are sized to allow the rail support 22 to rotate snugly within the brackets 20. The original Boat Beacher™ docking apparatus 10 further comprises a pair of matching front feet 24 and matching rear feet 26. The front and rear feet 24 and 26 are constructed of solid plastic board with a width of approximately 3.5 inches and thickness of approximately 1.5 inches. Each front foot 24 has a flat base 28 and a flat top end 30, while each rear foot 26 has its own flat base 32 and top end 33. The base 28 of each front foot 24 intersects the sides of the base 28 at an angel of approximately 100 degrees such that when the base 28 is set upon a flat surface, the front foot 24 leans approximately 10 degrees off vertical center. Likewise, the base 32 of each rear foot 26 intersects the sides of the base 32 at an angel of approximately 100 degrees such that when the base 32 is set upon a flat surface, the rear foot 26 leans approximately 10 degrees off vertical center.

The top end 30 of each front foot 24 rigidly attaches in a longitudinal manner to the front end of one of the rail supports 22. Likewise, the top end 30 of each rear foot 26 rigidly attaches in a longitudinal manner to the back end of one of the rail supports 22. As can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the front foot 24 is shorter than the rear foot 26 such that the rail supports 22 and the side rails 12 are positioned at an angle of approximately 5 degrees relative to the line joining the base 28 of the front foot 24 and the base 32 of the rear foot 26.

Each front foot 24 has a 2 inch diameter through bore 34, positioned approximately one inch from the base 28 that runs perpendicular to the rail support 22 to which the front foot 24 is attached. Likewise, each rear foot 26 has a 2 inch diameter through bore 35, positioned approximately four inches from the base 32 that runs perpendicular to the rail support 22 to which the rear foot 26 is attached.

The docking apparatus 10 further comprises an adjustable front cross support 36 constructed of 2 inch PVC pipe. The front cross support 36 has a first end 38 and a second end 40. The first end 38 has one bolt hole 42 approximately 1.25 inches from the edge of the support, while the second end 40 has a series of bolt holes 44 beginning approximately 1.25 inches from the edge of the support and positioned linearly away from the edge at approximately 2 inch intervals. The bolt holes 42 and 44 all penetrate both sides of the cross support 36. The docking apparatus 10 also comprises a matching adjustable rear cross support 37 constructed of 2 inch PVC pipe. The rear cross support 37 has a first end 39 and a second end 41. The first end 39 has one bolt hole 43 approximately 1.25 inches from the edge of the support, while the second end 41 has a series of bolt holes 45 beginning approximately 1.25 inches from the edge of the support and positioned linearly away from the edge at approximately 2 inch intervals. The bolt holes 43 and 45 all penetrate both sides of the cross support 36.

The first end 38 of the front cross support 36 is positioned in one of the through bores 34 of one front foot 24, and the second end 40 of the front cross support 36 is positioned in the through bore 34 of the opposing front foot 24. Each front foot 24 has a bolt hole 46 extending from the foot's front edge to rear edge that penetrates the through bore 34 and is oriented to align with the bolt holes 42 and 44, respectively.

With the first end 38 of the front cross support 36 positioned in the through bore 34 of one of the front feet with the bolt hole 42 aligned with the bolt hole 46, a bolt 48, preferably a carriage bolt, is pushed through the bolt hole 46, the bolt hole 42, and across the through bore 34. A washer and nut secure the bolt 48 in position. At the other end of the front cross support 36, the second end 40 of the front cross support 36 is then positioned in the through bore 34 of the other front foot with one of the bolt holes 44 aligned with the front foot's bolt hole 46. As can be appreciated, selecting a specific bolt hole 44 from the series of bolt holes 44 to align with the bolt hole 46 enables the user to select a desired spacing between the front feet 24 during assembly. The bolt 48 is then pushed through the bolt hole 46, the desired bolt hole 44, and across the through bore 34. A washer and nut secure the bolt 48 in position.

In a matching manner, the first end 39 of the back cross support 37 is positioned in one of the through bores 35 of one rear foot 26, and the second end 41 of the back cross support 37 is positioned in the through bore 35 of the opposing rear foot 26. Each rear foot 26 has a bolt hole 47 extending from the foot's front edge to rear edge that penetrates the through bore 35 and is oriented to align with the bolt holes 43 and 45, respectively.

With the first end 39 of the back cross support 37 positioned in the through bore 35 of one of the rear feet with the bolt hole 43 aligned with the bolt hole 47, a bolt 50, preferably a carriage bolt, is pushed through the bolt hole 47, the bolt hole 43, and across the through bore 35. A washer and nut secure the bolt 50 in position. At the other end of the rear cross support 37, the second end 41 of the front cross support 36 is then positioned in the through bore 35 of the other rear foot with one of the bolt holes 45 aligned with the rear foot's bolt hole 47. As can be appreciated, selecting a specific bolt hole 45 from the series of bolt holes 45 to align with the bolt hole 47 enables the user to select a desired spacing between the rear feet 26 during assembly. The bolt 50 is then pushed through the bolt hole 47, the desired bolt hole 45, and across the through bore 35. A washer and nut secure the bolt 50 in position.

The docking apparatus 10 further comprises a pair of matching tubular metal gussets 52. Each gusset 52 has an outer diameter of approximately ¾ inch, a 10-inch long first straight section 54, a 20-inch long second straight section 56, and a curved section 58 separating the first and second sections by approximately 5 inches and creating an angle of approximately 60 degrees there between. The gussets 52 have an overall length of approximately 34 inches, and short, flattened tabs 60 and 62 at each end with a bolt hole in the center of each. For each gusset 52, carriage bolts secure the tab 60 to inner surface of the front foot 24 near the base 28, and secure the tab 62 to inner surface of the rear foot 26 near the base 32. In addition, for each gusset 52, a carriage bolt runs through bolt holes 64 in the center of the curved section 58 and into the bottom of the rail supports 22.

As previously mentioned, the front and rear feet have different lengths. That is, the front foot 24 has a length of approximately 10 inches and the rear foot 26 has a length of approximately 12 inches such that the side rails 12 rise at an angle of approximately 5 degrees from front to rear. As can be appreciated, it was intended that this design of the docking apparatus 10 allowed the side rails 12 to rotate about an axis defined by the center of the brackets 20, and that the gussets 52 would only provide support to the side rails 12. Unfortunately, the rail support 22 would tend to bind in the brackets 20 and/or over rotate during use. Further, the gussets 52 failed to provide the desired tortional support on the rotation of the side rails 12, which was due to the manner in which the gussets 52 were secured to the feet 24 and 26.

Improved Docking Apparatus 100

In referring to the drawings, a representative embodiment of Applicant's improved docking apparatus 100 is shown generally in FIGS. 4-18. The improved docking apparatus 100 has a pair of rectangular, parallel side rails 112, constructed of treated lumber boards, with each having an upper surface 114 and an opposing lower surface 116. Each side rail 112 has a length of approximately 36 inches, a width of approximately 3.5 inches and thickness of approximately 1.5 inches. The edges and the front and rear ends of the side rails 112 may be rounded to soften any impact between the side rails 112 and the hull of a watercraft. A cover 118 constructed of thick and durable marine carpeting is secured to the outer surface of each side rail 112 to form a cushioned wrap over the entire side rail 112 soften any impact between the side rails 112 and the hull of a watercraft.

A 29.5 inch long cylindrical rail support 122, formed of 2 inch diameter PVC pipe, is positioned longitudinally along and rigidly secured to the lower surface 116 of each side rail 112. Each rail support 122 has a small-diameter through bore 123 positioned approximately 1 inch from each end, and a small-diameter through bore 125 positioned approximately 4 inches from each end, the bores 123 and 125 being at an axial rotation of approximately 70 degrees relative to each other. For each of the two side rails 112, a carriage bolt 127 runs through the bore 125 in the rail support 122 and is threaded into the lower surface 116 of the side rail 112 to rigidly secure the side rail 112 longitudinally to the top side of the rail support 122.

The improved docking apparatus 100 further comprises a pair of matching front feet 124 and a pair of matching rear feet 126. The front and rear feet 124 and 126 are constructed of solid plastic board with a width of approximately 3.5 inches and thickness of approximately 1.5 inches. Each front foot 124 has a flat base 128 and a flat top end 130, while each rear foot 126 has its own base 132 and top end 134. The front foot 124 is constructed such that when the base 128 is set upon a flat surface, the front foot 124 stands approximately 10 degrees off vertical center. Likewise, each rear foot 126 is constructed such that when the base 132 is set upon a flat surface, the rear foot 126 stands approximately 10 degrees off vertical center.

Referring to FIG. 15, it can be seen that the front foot 124 comprises a 2.11 inch deep radial groove 136 near the top of the inner edges proximate the top end 130. The radial groove 136 is oriented with its axis of rotation approximately one inch below the top edge of the top end 130 and centered between the sides of the front foot 124. The groove 136 forms the lower perimeter of a 2-inch diameter horizontal cylindrical construct 138 formed in the top end 130, the construct 138 being truncated on each side of the front foot 124 as shown. In addition, a vertical through slot 140 is formed in the side of the cylindrical construct 138. The slot 140 has a uniform width of 0.28 inches, a height of approximately 0.58 inches, and is positioned 1 inch above the bottom of the groove 136. The construct 138 is sized to fit rotatably into one end of one of the rail supports 122. When the rail support 122, with its associated side rail 112, is fitted onto the construct 138, the bolt holes 123 can be aligned with the through slot 140 such that a bolt 142, preferably a carriage bolt, can be run through the bolt holes 123 and the through slot 140, to be secured in place with a nut.

The construction of the rear foot 126 substantially mirrors that of the front foot 124, such that the rail supports 122 fit horizontally and rotabably onto opposing cylindrical constructs between the front and rear feet 124 and 126. That is, referring to FIG. 15, it can be seen that like the front foot 124, the rear foot 126 comprises a 2.11 inch deep radial groove 137 near the top of the inner edges proximate the top end 134. The radial groove 137 is oriented with its axis of rotation approximately one inch below the top edge of the top end 134 and centered between the sides of the rear foot 126. The groove 137 forms the lower perimeter of a 2-inch diameter horizontal cylindrical construct 139 formed in the top end 134, the construct 139 being truncated on each side of the rear foot 126 as shown. In addition, a vertical through slot 141 is formed in the side of the cylindrical construct 139. The slot 141 has a uniform width of 0.28 inches, a height of approximately 0.58 inches, and is positioned 1 inch above the bottom of the groove 137. The construct 139 is sized to fit rotatably into one end of one of the rail supports 122. When the rail support 122, with its associated side rail 112, is fitted onto the construct 138, the bolt holes 123 can be aligned with the through slot 141 such that a bolt 143, preferably a carriage bolt, can be run through the bolt holes 123 and the through slot 141, to be secured in place with a nut. As can be appreciated, when so assembled, the bolt 143 thereby limits the rotational travel of the rail support 122 about the construct 139, upon the bolt holes 123 reaching the upper and lower ends of the slot 141.

As can be appreciated, when the side rail 112, rail support 122, front foot 124, rear foot 126 are so assembled, the bolts 142 and 143 thereby in association with the slots 140 and 141, respectively, form a rotation stop that limits the rotational travel of the rail support 122 about the constructs 138 and 139 to an angle α (see FIGS. 10 and 11) relative to the vertical sides of the front foot 124. That is, the angle α is defined by the rotational limits for the rail support 122 on the constructs 138 and 139 when the bolt 142 in the bolt hole 123 reaching the upper and lower ends of the slot 140 (or the bolt 143 reaching the upper and lower ends of the slot 141). The angle α can be selectively set to a variety of sizes and axial orientations by the selective formation of the length of the slots 140 and 141, the vertical orientation of the slot 140 along the front foot 124, the vertical orientation of the slot 141 along the rear foot 126, and the orientation of the bolt holes 123 relative to the slots 140 and 141. Thus, for example, the angle α can be increased by increasing the length of the slot 140. By way of further example, the angle α can be reduced by reducing the length of the slot 140 or by orienting the bolt hole 123 such that it only allows the bolt 142 to rotate across a portion of the slot 140. Moreover, the juxtaposition of the rail support 122 relative to the vertical sides of the front foot 124 creates a pitch angle β (see FIGS. 10 and 11). Preferably, the slot 140 and bolt hole 123 are constructed to establish an angle α of approximately 40 degrees, and a pitch angle that varies from 50 degrees to 90 degrees. Hence, at its uppermost rotation, the side rail 122 will be perpendicular to the front foot 124 and rear foot 126 to which it is attached, and at its lowermost rotation, the side rail 122 will be oriented at a 50 degree angle relative to its respective front foot 124 and rear foot 126.

Each front foot 124 also has a 2.38 inch diameter through bore 144, positioned 3.19 inches from its axis to the base 128, equidistant from the front and back edges of the front foot 124, and running perpendicular to the construct 138. Similarly, each rear foot 126 has a 2.38 inch diameter through bore 146, positioned 4.19 inches from its axis to the base 132, equidistant from the front and back edges of the rear foot 126, and running perpendicular to the construct 139.

Each front foot 124 further has a 0.71 inch diameter cylindrical through bore 148 axially centered between the two sides of the front foot 124 and travelling linearly from a point along the inner side of the foot 124 approximately 2 inches from the base 128, to a point in the base 128 approximately 2 inches from the inner side of the foot 124. Similarly, each rear foot 126 also has a 0.71 inch diameter cylindrical through bore 150 axially centered between the two sides of the rear foot 126 and travelling linearly from a point along the inner side of the foot 126 approximately 2 inches from the base 132, to a point in the base 132 approximately 2 inches from the inner side of the foot 126.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-12, and particularly FIGS. 4, 6 and 12, the improved docking apparatus 100 further comprises a pair of matching adjustable cross supports 152, constructed of 2 inch PVC pipe. Each cross support 152 has a first end 154 and an opposing second end 156. The cross support 152 has one through bolt hole 158 approximately 1.25 inches from the first end 154, and a series of through bolt holes 160 beginning approximately 1.25 inches from the second end 156 and positioned linearly away from the second end 156 at 2 inch intervals.

The first end 154 of one of the cross supports 152 is positioned in one of the through bores 144 of one of the front feet 124, and the second end 156 of the same cross support 152 is positioned in the through bore of the opposing front foot 124.

Each front foot 124 has a through bolt hole 162 that penetrates from one edge of the foot to the other, across the bore 144. The first end 154 of one of the cross supports 152 is inserted into the bore 144 of one front foot 124 such that the hole 158 aligns with the bolt hole 162. A bolt 164, preferably a carriage bolt, is positioned through the bolt hole 162 and through the bolt hole 158, and is secured with a washer and nut. The second end 156 of the same cross support 152 is inserted into the bore 144 of the other front foot 124 such that the bolt hole 162 aligns with a desired one of the holes 160. Another bolt 164, preferably a carriage bolt, is positioned through the bolt hole 162 and through the selected bolt hole 160, and is secured with a washer and nut. As can be appreciated, selecting a specific bolt hole from the series of bolt holes 160 to align with the bolt hole 162 in the second front foot 124 enables the user to select a desired spacing between the front feet 124 during assembly. Likewise, the back legs 126 are joined by the second cross support 152 positioned through and secured to the through bores 146 with bolts 166, preferably carriage bolts.

The improved docking apparatus 100 further comprises a pair of matching tubular metal gussets 170, with an outer diameter of approximately ¾ inch. Referring to FIG. 13, its can be seen that each gusset 170 has a straight first section 172, a straight second section 174, and a curved third section 176 separating the first and second sections and creating an angle of approximately 62 degrees there between. The first section 172 has a length of approximately 9.3 inches, the second section has a length of approximately 17.87 inches and the first and second sections are approximately 5 inches apart. A straight fourth section 177, having a length of approximately 2 inches extends from the end of the second section 174 at an angle of approximately 18 degrees. All of the sections 172-177 are substantially coplanar. The gussets 170 have an overall length of approximately 34 inches, and a set of matching through bolt holes 178 and 180, which are perpendicular to the plane of the gusset 170, are positioned approximately 1 inch from each end. A third through bolt hole 181 is positioned in the center of the curved third section 176 and runs generally parallel to the plane of gusset 170.

The end of the first section 172 one of the gussets 170 is positioned in the through bore 148 in one of the front feet 124 such that the end of the first section 172 extends into the bore 148 of that front foot to a position in proximity to but not beyond the base 128 of that front foot 124. A bolt hole 182 in each front foot 124 penetrates the bore 148 and aligns with the bolt hole 178. A bolt 184 (preferably a carriage bolt with associated washer and nut) is positioned through the bolt holes 178 and 182 to secure the gusset 170 to the first front foot 124. The other gusset 170 is secured to the second front foot 124 in the same manner. Similarly, the end of the third section 174 of one of the gussets is positioned in the through bore 150 in one of the rear feet 126 such that the end of the third section 177 extends into the bore 150 to a position in proximity to but not beyond the base 132 of the rear foot 126. A bolt hole 186 in each rear foot 126 penetrates the bore 150 and aligns with the bolt hole 177. A bolt 190 (preferably a carriage bolt with associated washer and nut) is positioned through the bolt holes 177 and 186 to secure the gusset 170 to the first rear foot 126. The other gusset 170 is secured to the second rear foot 126 in the same manner.

For each of the gussets 170, a bolt 192, preferably a carriage bolt with associated washer and nut, is positioned through the bolt holes 181 and screwed into matching bolt holes in the lower surface of its associated rail support 122. Although the Figures show the washer and nut for each bolt 192 projecting below the gusset 170, the bolt 192 can be reversed such that the head of the bolt is secured against the lower surface of the rail support 122, which may require a corresponding bore in the underside of the matching side rail 122 to receive the threaded portion of the bolt 192 and associated washer and nut.

In addition, a structurally rigid, short tubular rail support insert (not shown) can optionally be positioned inside the rail support 122 in proximity to the bolt holes 181. Such an insert may, for example have an outer diameter of 2 inches and a length of approximately 3 inches, with a set of matching bolt holes positioned on opposing sides of the insert and in alignment with each other and with the bolt holes 181. Thus, the insert can provide lateral support to the rail support 122 when insert is positioned inside the rail support 122 and the bolt 192 is positioned such that it crosses through the bolt holes in the insert. As can be appreciated, the inserts 194 provide additional structural support to the rail supports 122 at the critical junctures with the rails 112 and the gussets 170.

The front feet 124 each have a length of approximately 10 inches and the rear feet 126 each have a length of approximately 12 inches such that the side rails 112 rise at an angle of approximately 5 degrees from front to rear.

As can be appreciated, instead of having rail supports 22 that rotate within brackets 20, as in the original docking apparatus 10, each end of the rail supports 122 of the improved docking apparatus 100 rotate about their respective cylindrical constructs 138 and 139. In addition, the gussets 170 are more stably secured to the feet 124 and 126, such that the gussets can provide the desired torsion effect to the rail supports 122.

As can be appreciated, the improved docking apparatus 100 can be set in the water near a shoreline or riverbank, such that the side rails 112 are directed outward from the dry land, with the front feet 124 positioned nearer the shore and the rear feet 126 positioned further into the water or otherwise directed toward deeper water. Preferably, the docking apparatus 100 will be positioned in relatively shallow water with the side rails 112 running at a slight incline angle relative to the waterline, such that approximately one third to one half of length of the rail supports 122 rising upward to approximately three inches above the surface of the water nearest the shore, with the remainder of the length of the rails supports 122 dropping down below the waterline. In this way, the watercraft user can readily see the apparatus 100 and direct the watercraft toward the apparatus 100 such that the bow of the watercraft will run up onto and rest upon the side rails 112. The weight of the watercraft resting atop the side rails 112 secures the apparatus 100 (and thereby the watercraft) in a stable position on the bed of the river, lake or shoreline. When desired, the watercraft can be removed from the docking apparatus 100 when sufficient rearward force is applied to the watercraft along the direction of the side rails 112, such as for example when pushing against the bow of the watercraft.

Because the bows of different watercraft have different contours, the side rails 112 can accommodate a wide variety of watercraft. In addition, the side rails 112 are capable of rotating while a watercraft is moored atop the apparatus 100 so as to accommodate the movement of the watercraft in the apparatus 100 when so moored so as to minimize the potential for damage to the watercraft hull. Notably, the angle β can be changed manually or in situ. That is, the angle β can be set by the user prior to placing in the water, or the user can rely upon the docking of the watercraft to set the angle β as the side rails 112 of the docking apparatus 100 nestingly receive and adjust to accommodate the hull.

While I have described in the detailed description several configurations that may be encompassed within the disclosed embodiments of this invention, numerous other alternative configurations, that would now be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, may be designed and constructed within the bounds of my invention as set forth in the claims. Moreover, the above-described novel improved docking apparatus 100 of the present invention can be arranged in a number of other and related varieties of configurations without departing from or expanding beyond the scope of my invention as set forth in the claims.

For example, the dimensions of the various components of the docking apparatus 100 need not be the same as listed in the various embodiments, but may vary so long as the apparatus 100 operates properly for its intended purpose as outlined above. More particularly, the front and rear legs 124 and 126 may be somewhat longer or shorter than disclosed, and may be thicker or thinner than that disclosed—again, so long as the apparatus 100 operates properly for its intended purpose as outlined above. Moreover, the legs 124 and 126 may have different cross-sectional shapes other than rectangular, may taper or widen, or may be curved or angular.

By way of further example, the limited rotation design for the side rails 112, utilizing the interface between the rail supports 122 by the upper ends of the legs 124 and 126, is not limited to the specific configuration depicted. Rather, it is contemplated that limiting the rotation of the side rails 112 can be achieved by other similar means, such as for example: rotating the side rails 112 about a central axis without rail supports 122, while placing hard stops on such rotation; rotating the rail supports 122 within brackets or mounts with had stops that allow the rail supports 122 to pivot, but only within a desired range;

It is also contemplated, for example, that the docking apparatus 100 need not require the rail supports 122, but that the side rails 112 themselves may be designed or constructed to attach directly to, and axially rotate relative to, the feet 124 and 126 without the intermediary rail supports 122. Further, the gussets 170 can attach directly to the side rails 112 without attachment to the rail supports 122.

As for the gussets 170, each may be attached to the feet 124 and 126 near the base in a various other configurations, so long as the gussets 170 are attached substantially to the lateral center of each foot 124 and 126, and secured with sufficient rigidity to enable the gussets 170 to import the desired torsional effect on the side rails 112 through the rails supports 122.

It is also contemplated that the position of the curved section 176 along the gusset 170 need not be limited to the dimensions disclosed in the embodiments, but may be varied in to accommodate differing torsional effects on the side rails 112 through the rails supports 122. The gussets 170 also need not be uni-planar, but may be designed to extend into multiple planes, so long as such a gusset is able to perform the functions as outlined herein.

Additional variations or modifications to the configuration of the novel improved docking apparatus 100 of the present invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the subj matter of this invention. Such variations, if within the spirit of this disclosure, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. Therefore, the description of the embodiments as set forth herein, and as shown in the drawings, is provided for illustrative purposes only and, unless otherwise expressly set forth, is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which set forth the metes and bounds of my invention. 

1. A portable docking apparatus for watercraft, the apparatus comprising: a. a first foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base; b. a second foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base; c. a third foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base; d. a first side rail, said first side rail having a first end attached to the upper end of the first foot and a second end opposite the first end, the first side rail second end being attached to the upper end of the second foot, the first side rail axially rotating relative to said first foot and said second foot; e. a second side rail, said second side rail being attached to the third foot and separated from the first side rail by a desired first longitudinal span, the first and second side rails collectively forming a seat to nestingly receive the underside of a watercraft; f. a first cross member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end attached to said first foot, the second end attached to said third foot, said first foot being separated from said third foot by a desired first lateral span; and g. a first rotation stop, said first rotation stop limiting the angle of rotation of the first side rail relative to said first foot and said second foot.
 2. The docking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one of said first side rail and said second side rail is elongated.
 3. The docking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side rail has a generally flat upper surface.
 4. The docking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side rail is oriented generally parallel to the second side rail.
 5. The docking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fourth foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base.
 6. The docking apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second side rail has a first end attached to the upper end of the third foot and a second end opposite the first end, the second side rail second end being attached to the upper end of the fourth foot, the second side rail axially rotating relative to said third foot and said fourth foot.
 7. The docking apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a second rotation stop, said first rotation stop limiting the angle of rotation of the second side rail relative to the third foot and the fourth foot.
 8. The docking apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second rotational stop limits the second side rail angle of rotation to approximately 40 degrees.
 9. The docking apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second rotational stop constrains the second side rail angle of rotation relative to the third foot.
 10. The docking apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second rotational stop constrains the second side rail angle of rotation relative to begin approximately 50 degrees from the third foot, and end approximately perpendicular to the third foot.
 11. The docking apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said first foot upper end and said second foot upper end comprises a horizontal cylindrical construct, and said first side rail rotatingly engages the horizontal cylindrical construct.
 12. The docking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first rotational stop comprises a rod and a slot, the slot being positioned in the first foot upper end, the rod being positioned in the first side rail and extending into the slot.
 13. The docking apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first rail support, said first rail support positioned between the first side rail and said first foot upper end, the first side rail and said first rail support collectively rotating in an axial manner relative to said first foot upper end.
 14. A portable docking apparatus for watercraft, the apparatus comprising: a. a first foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base; b. a second foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base; c. a third foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base; d. a first side rail, said first side rail having a first end attached to the upper end of the first foot and a second end opposite the first end, the first side rail second end being attached to the upper end of the second foot, the first side rail axially rotating relative to said first foot and said second foot; e. a second side rail, said second side rail being attached to the third foot and separated from the first side rail by a desired first longitudinal span, the first and second side rails collectively forming a seat to nestingly receive the underside of a watercraft; f. a first cross member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end attached to said first foot, the second end attached to said third foot, said first foot being separated from said third foot by a desired first lateral span; and g. a first gusset, said first gusset having a first end and a second end opposite the first end with a curved section there between, the first end being secured to the approximate lateral center of the first foot proximate the base, the second end being secured to the approximate lateral center of the second foot proximate the base, and the curved section being secured to the first side rail, the first gusset thereby imparting a bias to the first side rail to constrain and limit the rotation of the first side rail relative to the first and second feet.
 15. The docking apparatus of claim 14, wherein the curved section of the first gusset is approximately one third the distance between the first end and the second end.
 16. The docking apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first foot comprises a first bore in proximity to the first foot base, the first foot first bore being sized and shaped to snugly receive the first gusset first end, the first gusset first end being positioned in the first foot first bore.
 17. The docking apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second foot comprises a first bore in proximity to the second foot base, the second foot first bore being sized and shaped to snugly receive the first gusset second end, first gusset second end being positioned in the second foot first bore.
 18. The docking apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a fourth foot and a second gusset, said fourth foot having a base and an upper end opposite the base, the second side rail first end being attached to the upper end of the third foot and the second side rail second end being attached to the upper end of the fourth foot, the second side rail axially rotating relative to said third foot and said fourth foot, said second gusset having a first end and a second end opposite the first end with a curved section there between, the second gusset first end being secured to the third foot proximate the base, the second gusset second end being secured to the fourth foot proximate the base, and the curved section being secured to the second side rail, the second gusset thereby imparting a bias to the second side rail to constrain and limit the rotation of the second side rail relative to the third and fourth feet.
 19. The docking apparatus of claim 18, wherein the third foot comprises a first bore in proximity to the third foot base, the third foot first bore being sized and shaped to snugly receive the second gusset first end, the second gusset first end being positioned in the third foot first bore.
 20. The docking apparatus of claim 19, wherein the fourth foot comprises a first bore in proximity to the fourth foot base, the fourth foot first bore being sized and shaped to snugly receive the second gusset second end, the second gusset second end being positioned in the fourth foot first bore. 